Setting Up Windows at Reed

These instructions show you how to setup your computer to access Reed's network. Some of the steps are necessary before you can connect to Reed's servers and printers. If you get stuck at any point, contact CUS (x7525) for help.

These instructions must be performed with an administrative user account in Windows.

Register Your Computer on the Reed Network

Because Windows does a lot of work for you, accessing the Internet while on campus should be as easy as turning on your computer and plugging into an ethernet port or getting onto the wireless network- ReedXenia and Reed1x. The first time you try to access any webpage, your web browser will take you to the Reed Network Registration page where you can register your computer. Please make sure to register using your Reed network username and password and not as a guest, or you will have limited access to the network. You will be asked to register once for the wired network and once for the wireless network.

If you're having trouble getting online, you may want to check your network settings to make sure your computer is configured properly.

Once you are online, proceed with the instructions for installing Reed network resources below.

Connecting to Reed's Servers

Troubleshooting server access

Firewall settings?

Check your firewall settings. Firewalls may have default settings that are so restrictive you cannot access our servers. Common firewall software includes programs such as ZoneAlarm and the built in firewall in Windows.

An easy way to determine whether or not your firewall is causing the trouble is to temporarily disable it. Restart your computer once you've disabled the firewall to insure that the change takes effect. Once you've restarted your computer, see if you can access the servers. If you can, you know your firewall settings are too restrictive. You can then return to your original settings and one by one test the settings to see which one is causing the trouble. Restart between changes to your firewall settings to insure that the changes take effect.

Take Care! Remember to use caution in adjusting your firewall settings so as not to make your computer vulnerable to attack.

Password protect all the accounts you use. Choose passwords that are tricky to figure out, but make sure you remember it. If you should forget passwords for your administrator accounts, you will not be able to login to your computer, use it, or access your files.

Do not share files or folders across the network, unless you absolutely must. If you must share files, use caution. Turn on the least possible access. Use simple file and sharing and make sure network users are NOT allowed to change your files.

If you do not wish to share files or folders, make sure you turn off file and print sharing from the Network Setup Wizard in Control Panel for each network connection you use.